Over 10,000 people were ordered to evacuate their homes in Ventura County, California, as a fast-moving wildfire fueled by strong seasonal winds rapidly spread across dry hillsides into nearby communities. The fire, which ignited Wednesday in a hillside canyon near Camarillo, has burned more than 14,500 acres, threatening homes and ranches in its path.
Ventura County fire department Captain Tony McHale described the fire as “trying to put out a blowtorch with a squirt gun,” as embers were carried up to two miles ahead of the fire, igniting homes. The blaze, driven by intense Santa Ana winds gusting up to 80 mph, forced authorities to evacuate neighborhoods before any structures were caught in the flames.
The fire’s rapid growth has been attributed to extreme conditions, including high winds and dry vegetation. California Governor Gavin Newsom confirmed that over 3,500 structures are at risk, with several homes and businesses already destroyed. The fire’s spread is compounded by record-high temperatures and dry conditions that have turned the landscape into a tinderbox.
As emergency responders battle the blaze, Southern California Edison began shutting off power to areas where their equipment could spark further fires. Meanwhile, local schools in Ventura County are closed through Friday due to the fire’s proximity. The wildfire is part of a troubling trend, with 8.1 million acres already burned across the US this year, surpassing the 7 million-acre average.
Climate scientists warn that warming temperatures and dry conditions are contributing to more severe wildfires in California, where this year’s fire season is on track to burn three times more land than last year at this time.
